MDMA / Ecstasy Addiction Treatment
MDMA Addiction Treatment
At the Neuro Psychiatric Addiction clinic, we truly understand the difficulties associated with addiction and recovery. For this very reason, we offer a space of support, immersive care, and compassion to ensure that you have a safe and comfortable experience as you embark on your journey towards recovery.
We will help you understand the effects and causes of your MDMA addiction, which will, in turn, empower you to take the next step towards achieving sobriety.
Recovering from addiction is tough, but you will be amazed at how much easier your journey will be with our encouragement and support.
What Is MDMA?
Also known as ecstasy or molly, MDMA is a synthetic drug. Manufactured in a laboratory, it comes in powder and pill form.
Often consumed recreationally, MDMA is typically encountered within the party scene. This is because it increases energy, produces feelings of euphoria, and enhances the desire for social connection.
In the United States, MDMA is a common yet illegal drug. While many people perceive it to be somewhat safe and believe that they can use it without severe consequences, it can be extremely addictive. It can also give way to a plethora of health issues.
What Are the Effects of Ecstasy?
MDMA acts as a stimulant. This means that when consumed, it interacts with the neurotransmitters in the brain to increase the production of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. It also has hallucinogenic properties.
Norepinephrine helps the body respond to stress and exercise and acts as a stress hormone and a neurotransmitter. It is typically produced during the ‘fight or flight’ response.
Serotonin plays a role in regulating mood, appetite, sleep, and pain. When MDMA is consumed, the body produces more of this hormone, resulting in the user feeling happiness and euphoria. Similarly, dopamine enhances pleasurable feelings.
The effects of MDMA usually last between three to six hours.
Typically, users will experience a mixture of the following:
Feelings of empathy and compassion
Euphoria
Happiness
Distortions to sensory perceptions
Increased energy levels
Though MDMA is often consumed to enhance mood, many side effects come hand-in-hand with using the drug. These side effects often alleviate naturally. However, some can be long-lasting.
Below, we have shared just a few of the side effects encountered:
Fluctuations in body temperature
Panic attacks
Paranoia
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Sweating
Involuntary jaw clenching or teeth grinding
Nausea
Who Takes Ecstasy?
Known as a ‘club drug’, MDMA first gained widespread popularity in the nightclub and rave scene in the 1980s. Its primary users were adolescents and young adults. However, MDMA use has since gained recognition outside of the nightclub scene.
Although people of all ages may experiment with MDMA, the main demographic of people using the drug is those between 18-25, with the average age of starting to use the drug beginning at 21 years old.
Dangers While Taking MDMA
Due to the stimulating effects MDMA has, it is not uncommon for the body to overheat when the drug enters the bloodstream. This causes many individuals to experience dehydration.
Although hydrating the body is essential when dehydration is experienced, you must also remember that drinking too much water can be problematic. This is because MDMA causes the body to produce the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone. This hormone affects your ability to urinate, leading to urinary incontinence. For this very reason, over-drinking water can be as dangerous as not drinking enough as it impacts the body’s salt balance.
Taking MDMA may also cause you to engage in risky behaviors such as unsafe sex. You may also be more likely to consume other drugs or alcohol.
When taken in pill form, the dangers are somewhat significant. This is because pills are frequently laced with other drugs or substances. In turn, it is often difficult to distinguish what exactly is being consumed.
For this very reason, many people assume that snorting the powder form of MDMA is best. However, ingesting powder carries similar risks as this can contain toxic additives..
Some substances often included in MDMA include:
Bath salts (synthetic cathinones)
Cocaine
Amphetamines
Ketamine
Over the counter cough medicine
Caffeine
Fentanyl
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)
Whether legal or not, it is extremely dangerous to consume any drugs, especially if you are unsure of what they contain. Though anyone is at risk of encountering the side effects of MDMA, taking MDMA poses a particular threat to those with epilepsy, blood pressure issues, heart conditions, and asthma.
Dangers After Taking MDMA
Though the physical dangers of MDMA abuse are significant, the psychological effects of MDMA must also be considered. Unbeknown to many, MDMA can have adverse effects on our mental health.
In the days and even weeks following MDMA, a comedown can be expected. A comedown is the experience of the depletion of serotonin levels in the body due to them being overproduced when MDMA is taken. During a comedown, it is common for many individuals to experience feelings of anxiety, depression, and paranoia.
If MDMA is abused over a prolonged period, in addition to having negative consequences on an individual’s mental health, MDMA abuse has been linked to liver, kidney, and heart problems. These problems are often irreversible, especially when drug abuse is left untreated.
MDMA Addiction
Fortunately, using MDMA once or occasionally does not mean that you will develop an addiction. However, it is still important to be aware of the risks of addiction.
Some warning signs to look out for if you think you or a loved one may be addicted to MDMA are:
Reluctance to attend social events
Lying or secretive behavior
Changes in social circles
Being unwilling to quit despite the negative health consequences
Problems completing daily tasks
Mental health issues
Physical health problems
Changes in appearance
Reduced cognitive function
Treatment For MDMA Addiction
Here at Neuro Psychiatric Addiction Clinic, we are experts in addiction treatment and recovery. Many of our staff members are in long-term recovery themselves, and so they truly understand the challenges of quitting on a personal level.
As no two people are the same, how addictions are treated greatly differs. Therefore, we provide each client with a specifically tailored treatment plan, personalized to their recovery goals and needs. During your time in our rehab, we closely monitor your physical and mental health to give you the safest environment to recover.
Not only is the environment inside our rehab center comfortable, but our grounds are too. Located in the beautiful Port Saint Lucie, Florida, our clients have the chance to soak up the sun and relax during their time with us. Nestled in a cozy, quiet location, we truly boast a perfect atmosphere to be immersed in serenity and peace.
We offer residential treatment programs for addiction and substance use disorder (SUD), and we are proud to be one of the leading addiction treatment facilities in the nation.
Dreams of achieving long-term recovery are much more likely to be accomplished if you choose to be guided through it at our facility by one of our experts who can equip you with the necessary tools to defeat your addiction.
Why Choose NP Addiction Clinic?
Why our St. Lucie County rehab and mental health center is right for you and your loved ones.
24-Hour Support
We are dedicated to helping people heal, recover and live better lives, 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. Count on us to be there when you need us most.
On-Site Detox
Mental Health Treatment Pros
Aftercare and Alumni Support
Our aftercare, alumni support and MAT programs are second to none. We’re invested in your recovery and wellness for the long haul.
Let’s Talk Today
The Neuro Psychiatric Addiction Clinic (NPAC) is committed to delivering the best mental health and addiction treatment available. We can help you or the one you love too, but you need to make the first move. Call us now at (888) 574-3506 or send us a message using this form.
